Devil's Slide Trail, Pacifica CA

• 3-star hike
• 3 miles out and back
• Easy | Gain 310 feet
• Pacifica, CA | San Francisco Region
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The image shows a scenic coastal landscape featuring rugged cliffs and a large rock formation extending into the ocean. A winding road runs along the cliffs, and two people are standing on a grassy area in the foreground, looking out at the view. The scene is dramatic and visually captivating due to the contrast between the green vegetation and the blue ocean, as well as the sense of scale provided by the people in the foreground.

The Devil's Slide cliffs from Pedro Point Headlands.

The steep coastal cliffs just South of Pacfica were a notorious spot for landslides that would regularly result in the closure of State Route 1 and cut-off seaside communities from San Francisco for weeks at a time. The 2014 opening of the Tom Lantos Tunnels was a significant relief for those communities, but the former section of road now by-passed by the tunnel was free to be repurposed as a coastal trail.

Originally part of the shortlived Ocean Shore Railroad then converted into a highway, Devil's Slide now enjoys a new lease of life as a 1.3 mile walking and biking trail above the Pacific Ocean with benches and interpretive signage as areas of quiet contemplation.

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⬤ 3★ Devil's Slide Trail 2.6 mi out & back, easy, gain 320 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

This wide trail is paved throughout and has plenty of room for both pedestrians and cyclists. There is some elevation gain regardless of whether you begin at the North or South end of the trail - 100 feet gain from North to South, or 200 feet in the opposite direction. Cycling from North to South is more preferable to the alternate route.

Parking is free but very limited at both ends of the trail, but there are alternative trails nearby with similar views for which we have reviews. Both ends of the trail are also appointed with restrooms.

The image shows a scenic coastal road with a steep cliff on one side and the ocean on the other. The road is paved, with line markings separating pedestrians from cyclists and has a yellow warning sign that reads 'SLIPPERY WHEN WET' with an icon of a bicycle slipping. There are a few people walking along the road, enjoying the view. The sky is clear and blue, and the rocky cliff adds a dramatic backdrop to the scene.

Plenty of room for all on the Devil's Slide Trail.

The image shows a panoramic view of a coastal landscape with a winding dirt path leading up a hill. The ocean is visible on the left side, with waves crashing against a rocky outcrop. The coastline extends into the distance on the right, with a beach and more hills visible under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a panoramic view of a coastal landscape with a winding dirt path leading up a hill. The ocean is visible on the left side, with waves crashing against a rocky outcrop. The coastline extends into the distance on the right, with a beach and more hills visible under a clear blue sky.

More Pacific Ocean views from the Pedro Point Headlands.

Tangents:
• Official: San Mateo County
• Other links: CA Coastal Trail
• AllTrails Public: Devil's Slide
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Pedro Point Headlands (2-3 mi) · 4★ Montara Mountain (7-11 mi) · 4★ Mori Point (1-2 mi) · Show Map

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